Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
The six core processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Contact with the present moment
By being fully conscious and aware of our experience allows us to evaluate our current situation. From this position we can evaluate what are various options are which action to take as we are more aware of the choices that are available to us.
Acceptance
This means accepting the present moment as it is right now instead of how we may want it to be. This is important as it is the basis for acting in the most appropriate way to bring about change. When we can see clearly what is happening it increases the chances of us acting intuitively instead of our minds being clouded through judgements and fears.
Defusion
This process helps us to view troublesome and negative thoughts as mental events in the mind instead of believing them to be necessarily real or the truth. It also allows us to view thoughts instead of fusing with them. By allowing them to be there we can let them go and pass on by like clouds moving across the sky to reduce the effects that they may have on us.
Contact with the present moment
By being fully conscious and aware of our experience allows us to evaluate our current situation. From this position we can evaluate what are various options are which action to take as we are more aware of the choices that are available to us.
Acceptance
This means accepting the present moment as it is right now instead of how we may want it to be. This is important as it is the basis for acting in the most appropriate way to bring about change. When we can see clearly what is happening it increases the chances of us acting intuitively instead of our minds being clouded through judgements and fears.
Defusion
This process helps us to view troublesome and negative thoughts as mental events in the mind instead of believing them to be necessarily real or the truth. It also allows us to view thoughts instead of fusing with them. By allowing them to be there we can let them go and pass on by like clouds moving across the sky to reduce the effects that they may have on us.
Self-as-context
This is a transcendent sense of self: a place of pure awareness where we can observe our thoughts and experiences. The mind has two parts: the thinking self which is responsible for your thoughts, beliefs, memories etc. The other part is the observing self, the part of the mind that is able to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling or experiencing in the present moment. This is a key concept of mindfulness, by developing this awareness to this part of the mind we can access it at any time especially when troublesome thoughts and emotions become dominant.
Values
This is what you want your life to be truly about. What you want to do with your time on the planet that will give your life true meaning and purpose? What is it that is going to give you inspiration and guidance for your actions to motivate you to live a meaningful life?
Committed action
This means taking action that is guided by your values even though it may prove to be difficult or uncomfortable to achieve what you want.
The main aim and goal of ACT is to increase psychological flexibility. This is achieved by contacting the present moment by building awareness and being attentive to what you are experiencing. Also by taking committed action in line with your values to live a meaningful, valued life.
This is a transcendent sense of self: a place of pure awareness where we can observe our thoughts and experiences. The mind has two parts: the thinking self which is responsible for your thoughts, beliefs, memories etc. The other part is the observing self, the part of the mind that is able to be aware of what you are thinking and feeling or experiencing in the present moment. This is a key concept of mindfulness, by developing this awareness to this part of the mind we can access it at any time especially when troublesome thoughts and emotions become dominant.
Values
This is what you want your life to be truly about. What you want to do with your time on the planet that will give your life true meaning and purpose? What is it that is going to give you inspiration and guidance for your actions to motivate you to live a meaningful life?
Committed action
This means taking action that is guided by your values even though it may prove to be difficult or uncomfortable to achieve what you want.
The main aim and goal of ACT is to increase psychological flexibility. This is achieved by contacting the present moment by building awareness and being attentive to what you are experiencing. Also by taking committed action in line with your values to live a meaningful, valued life.
'I have been working with John for several years now. He has been coaching me in my preperation for my return to work after maternity leave. He has helped immensely through careful listening, insightful questioning and gentle challenge. John is thorough in his approach and has taken the time to understand a variety of different techniques including NLP and goal centered coaching all of which he uses with flexibility in the coaching session' Great results, Personable, High Integrity.
Katherine Reid
John has coached me in mindfulness for over a year now and I have found it enormously helpful in all aspects of my life. With John’s expert and non-judgemental guidance, I have learned how to increase my level of awareness and to stand-back from situations in a much better way than I ever could before. This is turn has helped reduce my stress levels and take a more holistic view of life. It’s had all sorts of knock-on benefits, especially at work. John is a wise-counsel, and if you are facing a difficult situation, or you just want to learn how to take a more of a relaxed approach to things, then I would highly recommend John to you.
Val Jones
Copyright (C) 2011 Aspirations Coaching
Katherine Reid
John has coached me in mindfulness for over a year now and I have found it enormously helpful in all aspects of my life. With John’s expert and non-judgemental guidance, I have learned how to increase my level of awareness and to stand-back from situations in a much better way than I ever could before. This is turn has helped reduce my stress levels and take a more holistic view of life. It’s had all sorts of knock-on benefits, especially at work. John is a wise-counsel, and if you are facing a difficult situation, or you just want to learn how to take a more of a relaxed approach to things, then I would highly recommend John to you.
Val Jones
Copyright (C) 2011 Aspirations Coaching